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Yet there are some (oh shamelessness!) who Sweet-voiced as whispered words of passionate slight

Thee, Poesy, and care not in thy sight

To be found gracious; who full lightly weigh
Thy glorious gift to few as one that may
All easily be won; but soulless shapes are
these,

Earth grovellers and grubs-creatures without knees,

Who cannot worship wisdom, yet will stoop
Lower than lilies when in death they droop,
So they may grasp the gold that is their bane;
And these shall be as they had never been,
Whatever now their undeserved degrees
In worldly honours, precedence, and fame,
Forgotten in the memory of Time their name,
And vain and wretched doings. Beneath thy
fane,

Divinest Poesy, I would be found

A worshipper. Let not thy mysteries astound
My feeble sense; but lend me a clear light,
To lead my spirit, if it err, aright!
So will I honour thee with every rite
Which graceful poets use in praise, and prove
Not undeserving of thy dearer love.

Ye who have never heard her voice, nor tasted
The wine of Helicon; ye who have wasted
Long nights in fruitless orisons to her,
And, for she listened not your feeble prayer
For inspiration, hate her from despair
That she will ne'er instruct your souls to

breathe

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Of rainbow-tinted dove, and beautiful
As those thin-streaming threads the gossamer
Lets loose unto the many-winded air,
To thrall the fays who come at dusk, to cull
The violet's dew, to bathe Titania fair.
Wild creatures tame at her meek innocent
look,

And play about her feet as summer brook
Plays round the lilies which, like Dian's maids,
Lave their white limbs in the cool-watered
shade.

The fiery lion will crouch down in meekness, While her hand smooths his rough mane to the sleekness*

Of her own golden hair and silken lashes:
And yet her eye sometimes its anger flashes,
When fools deny her wisdom, and despise
Her revelations and deep mysteries.
Who that beholds her may refrain adoring,
When sunward-looking as an eagle soaring,
She holds divine communion with the skies,
And walks the uncertain waters as they rush
Upon their headlong course, who suddenly hush
At her smooth song, mellifluous as the lay
Piped by the early-stirring birds, when Day
Comes grandly in his car; or that at noon
Of night thick-warbled to the moon,
Walking in loveliness, and silently
Sorrowing, to see Endymion lie,
Cold to love, with slumber-sealed eye.
And she is fair as that pale nightly rover ;
Tender as Venus of her wounded lover;
Harmless as Love when Psyche hid his arrows;
Gentle as Lerbia fondling tame sparrows;

wooers;

Quiet as murmuring of those happy covers,
The amorous doves; soothing as the bee's
Faint drowsy hum, when nestling on a flower,
And surfeiting on sweetness. The loitering
breeze,

That whispers with the leaves in lady's bower,
Is noisy in its stillness to't. Twill be
Awhile more ravishing than airs of Italy;
Then audible and lofty as discharge
Of the thunder-clouds, when at some mountain-
*targe

Their crushing bolt is levelled; then terrible, Being moved, as the deep groan of painful hell,

The roar of raving seas, or boisterous breath
Of the storm-wind, which speaks the wrath of
death.

Ah, how may I by my rough lines express
Her grace, her meekness, and sweet winning-

ness;

And how repeat the music of her sighs, Which scarce would waft the light down when it lies,

How tell one thing that she hath done or said; Windfallen, upon a motionless flower's head; How paint her eloquent look; and the bright meaning

Of her sweet smile, that cheers one like the greening

Of the spring meadows, seen through melting

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noblest men

Of the o'erpass'd time, like meek aw'd children,
Have sat attentive to her high discourse,
That drew their souls from earth to where her
song had source.

And hope-fed spirits have unwearying kept
Long lonely vigils, while the unthoughted slept,
Waiting and watching her approach. Their feet
Have tracked her to her secretest retreat,
And trod where none but poets dare to tread.
The crown that circled sacredly each bead
By her bestowed, by her was gather'd
From heaven's immortal bowels these angels
wreathed

And fragrant made, for on them they had

breathed.

Oh! great reward of their ambitious toil, That labour might not weary-danger foil, Poesy and Musie are here considered as These men are deathless now-eternal heirs one and the same. Of an eternal heritage; and their's

An ever-during crown of gems and gold, And orient glory. Oh! might proud kings he told

Of these rich crowns, that nor unrest nor pain
Cost them that wear, nor seas of blood to gain,
Nor kingdoms wreck and ravage to maintain,
Sure they would meek and lowly grow, and
spurn

Their bubble sceptre of a day, and yearn
To pass the portal of a poet's grave,

So they might win a wise renown, and have
Their deaths lamented, and a hallow'd name
Synonimous with virtue-old as fame;
Then, durable as the stars, their holy names
Would live in heaven, when the hot smother-

ing flames

Of its volcanic bosom have calcined
This poor, and proud, and perishable world,
With all its quenchless waters, gathered and
curled,

And dried like shrivelled scrolls, and to the

wind

In ashes from the Almighty hand loose hurl'd. Then mock not poetry. Oh! to be dumb, Tongueless, and mouth-shut as the silent tomb, Were better than such babbling! The stern and rude

Inhabiter of rudest climes is learned

In this most learned lore. 'Tis understood Of wisdom, and hath had his praise—not earned

Easily, nor oft. Believe it is the soul's
Untutor'd language, which pedantry controls
No more than doth the wind the giant sea,
Who most opposed is strongest, and speaks
most angrily,

Oh, ever-eloquent poesy! wreather
Of fair and deathless flowers

breather

- continual

Of songs which never die—me now inspire
To tell, in smiling verse, of when thy lyre
Was heard in heaven, how the stern godhead
.smiled

At its new voice, and by it was beguil'd
Of his just wrath against that sinful twain
From Paradise out-driven, never again
To wander their birth-bower. How, swift as
thought,

The princeliest angels, soon as their ears caught.
Its fainting fallings, fluttered fast around,
And drank its vast varieties of sound
In silence solemn wrapt, and listening,
And on thy voice as on th'Almighty's hung.
How Gabriel awhile did stand astound,
His earnest eyes with a mixed rapture glisten- *
ing,-

(Excessive rapture, sister to sad Pain,)
Till, with a gentle glance of self-disdain,
Far down into the depths of space he flung
That startling trumpet, which had frequent rung
Alarm through farthest heaven, when angels
Madly and wickedly with their liege Lord;
But were soon quailed, and conquered to be
spared,

warred

And Justice'sword suddenly sheathed as bared;
How him, rebellious then, since God exiled,
Melted in ruth, and, like a toward child,
Stood pride-subdued and weeping, was for.
given;

And with heaven's shouts the clouds shook

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The souls of God's and nature's poets* then

and men!

Were framed the pride of heaven, and thee,
These high and holy themes may not be sung
By harp faint-voiced as mine, and loosely
O, pardon my mad spirit, which would dare
To soar thy giddy heights, and beat the air
That swims serene round heaven with wings
profane!

strung.

And pardon my rash tongue, too weak and vain
To win thy judging ear! I did but rave
Like to a petted child, for things I may not

have.

My soul is fever'd with its restless rage,
And thirsts for glory, which will ne'er assuage
Till a full-gushing rill, fresh from the clean
Sweet fount of Helicon, flow coolingly between
Me and my green resolve, and medicine
My werring mind to peace, now nothing spent
With its determined toil; nor shall it rest
With indolent ease ou her calm couch, content
To live with her, and do as should her guest,
Till Fame's own crown is won and safe pos-
sess'd.

Ere this great gain be mine, much I must moil,
And waste the sap of youth with midnight oil,
Working unseen, uncheered, as miners toil,
Yet come at last in presence of the sun,

By the all-buying wealth which they have won..
So I must labour in the muses mines,
And delve for wit-the diamond that shines

Brilliantly ever; and thought-the golden ore

upon it was condemned the first night give fidelity to the portrait. Mr. Abat Astley's, (where it is very unusual bott, in Aimwell, made a polite and to damn any piece,) we hope Mr. El-gallant beau; and Connor's Foigard liston will pause before he incurs so is one of his best characters. His unheavy an expense as it must necessarily ruffled firmness, when, in a brogue that rreate. We do not hear any thing of would betray him to all the world, he Mr. Kean's engagement at this thea- declared himself to be a French priest, tre, for the season; indeed, at present, was highly ludicrous. Yates, with all there is nothing for him to do. Mr. his artificial stuffing, made but a very Wallack, we understand, has gone to indifferent Boniface; the rich humour America. Munden, it is said, has re- and joviality of this prince of publinewed his engagement with Mr. Ellis- cans is not to be conveyed or expressed ton. We are glad of it, for these are by a mere unwieldiness of person, not the times in which we can spare though Mr. Yates seemed to think that him from the stage. therein lay the powerful merit. COVENT GARDEN,-Farquhar's ex- Blanchard, (though no man has less sulcellent comedy of the Beaux Strata- lenness in his character,) played the gem, was performed at this theatre on character of Sullen to the life. Mrs. Friday night, when Mr. Drinkwater Davison presented an excellent_picMeadows made his first appearance ture of his discontented lady. Mrs. on the London boards, in the charac- Davenport did all that Lady Bountiful ter of Scrub. Mr. Meadows is the had to do, as well as it could be done; son of a comic performer, who was for and Miss Foote was charming in many years a great favourite in the Cherry. We wish we could speak faAud show the labours they untask'd have done, made, and has an expressive counte- da; but really, a pretty person and a northern counties; he is young, well vourably of Miss Beaumont, in Doriunance. With these qualifications, and pretty voice are all the pretty things others of a higher cast,- -a good know- we can say about her. The comedy, ledge of the stage, and a correct con- thus strongly cast and ably supported ception of his character, he played the in all its principal characters, with its part of Scrub with great success. Un-own intrinsic merits, could not fail of like too many of our modern come- ensuring much applause, which it cerdians, (and tragedians too,) he does not tainly obtained. seek to create effect by artificial means, On Wednesday night, the opera of but trusts to a faithful portrait of his Rob Roy Macgregor attracted a very author; grimace forms no part of his crowded and elegant audience. Duracting, which is chaste without tame-ing the absence of Mr. Macready from ness, and humourous without extrava- town, the part of Rob Roy was susgance. His rustic imitations of Archer tained by Mr. Yates, who seems to be were admirable, and close even to mi-a sort of dramatic at-all, or actor of all DRURY LANE.-Geraldi Duval, the nuteness; but the scene with the work. This gentleman is not without Coronation, and Monsieur Tonson, still thieves was the best; and the manner some talents, but they are not to be reign at this theatre, and still bring in which he rushed in on the alarm found in such characters as the Macgood houses. On two or three even- being that the honest gentlemen were gregor,' and we are sorry he does not ings lately, the pit has been so crowded, robbing the house,' was quite in cha-consult his theatrical reputation more that upwards of two hundred persons racter; and, between his efforts to hud- than to attempt them. Miss Hallande got upon the platform leading across dle on his clothes, and his blustering appeared, for the first time, as Diana it to the stage, and were only prevailed timidity to escort the persons out, he Vernon, and added new claims to that upon to quit it by being accommodated elicited shouts of laughter and ap- approbation which she had previously with room in the upper boxes. The Co-plause. The debut of Mr. Meadows obtained. Liston, as the Baillie Nicol ronation has now been exhibited fifty was completely successful, and if he Jarvie, in appearing for the first time successive evenings, a circumstance continues to study English comedy, this season, was most heartily welcomalmost unprecedented in this age of and not English comedians, he will rise ed. The rich humour which Liston spectacle. Wearied as we are of the to the very summit of his profession; throws into this character, makes it one monotony which prevails at this theatre, even now he is a very valuable ac- of the most attractive in the opera, and we are happy to find that some novel-cession to this already powerful com- it is a treat of which we never get weary. ties are forthcoming, among which are pany. Jones, in Archer, is so gay,There was no novelty in the cast of the

That maketh the soul rich. Oh! never more
Shall my soul faint in its brave task; but I,
Like warrior doomed, who knoweth he must

die

In th' imminent breach, yet enters gallantly,
Will wage this hopeful, doubtful, studious

strife,

That works out fame eterne, but wears out life.
1817.
C. W.

The Drama.

a new comedy; and report adds, a grand spectacle, in which forty horses will be introduced on the stage, representing the principal events of his Majesty's visit to Ireland. This is a somewhat questionable subject; and when we consider that a piece founded Milton and Shakespeare.

remaining characters, which are all fa miliar to the public.

lively, and genteel a footman, that we
do not wonder that, even in the dis
guise of a servant, he is a great favour-
HAYMARKET THEATRE.-The ma-
ite with the ladies. Emery, as the nager of this theatre holds on the even
Hounslow Captain, Gibbet, gave a tenor of his way,' in giving us either
most accurate and forcible delineation popular new pieces or good old come-
of the character; his face, figure,dies. The genuine the legitimate
dress, and demeanour, all combined to drama reigns at this theatre, and reigns

successfully amid all the spectacular attractions of larger houses. Whether the taste for the drama may or may not be on the decline, we will not pretend to determine, but we were always of the opinion (and the success of this house confirms it) that the legitimate drama, if performed in theatres of proper dimensións, would insure patronage enough to render it ultimately more advantageous to the proprietors of theatres than the splendid pageants which they exhibit at so much expense. We might say something of the difference between encouraging a taste for the genuine drama, and vitiating it, but that would have little influence where money-making is the sole object of theatrical speculation.

On Tuesday night, the comedy of The Jealous Wife was performed, for the first time at the New Haymarket Theatre. The character of Mrs. Oakley, a finished picture of female weakness and want of temper, was sustained with great force and effect by Mrs. Johnson. She developed the alarming progress of jealousy, from the little leaven of suspicion to the tortures of conviction, with fearful reality. Her over-bearing rage, impatience of control, and fretfulness of disposition, were given with all the force and truth of nature. Mr. Conway, though not so good an Oakley as we have seen, played the character very respectably. Terry, as his brother, the Major, taught him how to rule a wife' with great confidence, and gave full force to a bachelor's invectives against the lovely sex. De Camp's Lord Trinket was by no means good. Williams bustled through Russet pretty well, and was quite as hasty and passionate as the character required. Oxberry's Sir Harry Beagle was tolerable, but Lacy's Charles execrable. Miss Boyce very agreeably disappointed us in Lady Freelove, which she played with much discrimination; aud, in the scene in which she feeds the jealousy of Mrs. Oakley, she displayed considerable ingenuity. The comedy was received with much applause by a crowded audience.

favourites of last season, among whom
we noticed Mr. Callaghan, who, as
Brian O'Boggle, is a very amusing
Irishman. Half an Hour's Courtship,
in which Mr. Watkins Burroughs is the
hero of the piece, and the favourite
pantomime of the Fairy of the North
Star (which has been revived), finished
the evening's amusement, much to the
satisfaction of a very crowded house.

Literature and Science.

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Irish, and several miscellaneous poems, and is also preparing for publication, a catalogue of works, in various lan guages, relative to the history, antiquities, and language of the Irish; with remarks, critical and biographical,

Height of Mountains.—Mr. J. G. Jackson, who has published descriptive works of Southern and Western Bar bary, and who has more than once crossed the chain of Mount Atlas, has published an observation which calls Bonaparte's Memoirs.-Counts Ber- for an accurate investigation. From trand and Montholon have stated, observations made by Mr. Colebrook, through the public journals, that the in India, on the heights of Mount HiManuscrit venu de St. Helene,' Des mala, his calculation is that, from some Pensées,' 'Maximes,' 'Sentences,' of the crests of that enormous range 'Memoires Secret,' Napoleon peint being visible at the distance of two par lui même,' Chagrins Domes-hundred and eleven English miles, tiques,' Vers,' &c. &c. published or their elevation should be twenty-eight announced as the productions of the thousand feet above the sea. Mr. Emperor Napoleon, are not by him, Jackson has applied this rule to meaand that his MSS. have not been com- sure the height of certain elevated municated to any person. They also points of Atlas, on the eastern side of state, that the memoirs announced un- Morocco, which are visible at sea twender their names are not by them. ty miles from the coast, westerly, and in the direction of Mogadore. it will follow that the elevation of these heights would be more than twentynine thousand English feet above the level of the Atlantic, and, of course, the highest on the globe, as to any known measurement.

Hence

Night Clocks.-The west dial of the Tron Church, at Glasgow, has been illuminated at night with complete success. The apparatus consists of a No. 1 Argand burner, placed a few feet out from the top of the dial, and inclosed in a nearly bemisperica! lantern, the front of which is glazed. The back New Russian Voyage of Discovery: forms a parabolical reflector; the dialEarly last year, the foreign journals receives not only the direct, but also a announced an expedition fitting ont conical stream of reflected rays; and is by the Russian government, to explore thus so brilliantly illuminated, that the the coasts of Siberia and Asia, and to hours and hands can be seen with near-get further information of three newly ly the same distinctness at a distance discovered islands in the Glacial Ocean*. as during the day-time. By a simple. These islands lie opposite the mouth contrivance, the clock disengages, of the river Jana, and have received the about sun-rise, a small detent, some-collective name of New Siberia. A what similar to the larum in wooden letter from Dr. Erdmann, professor in clocks, which shuts the gas-cock, and the University of Dorpt, communiso instantly extinguishes the light.

A subscription has been opened for a whole length marble statue of the late Sir Joseph Banks, to be executed by Chautrey, and to be placed in the hall of the British Museum. More than 20001. was subscribed in a few days towards this object, which is a just tribute to the zeal of the late president of the Royal Society....

The Latitude.The Annales Mari

times report the discovery of a new
method to determine the latitude, by
a single non-meridian height, deduced
from two other heights, taken in a very
short space of time.

ADELPHI THEATRE. This lively little theatre, which has been renovated and decorated with much taste and brilliancy of effect, opened for the sea son, on Monday night, with a new comic burletta, called Capers at Canterbury. It is a lively bustling piece, in which there was much good acting by Mr. Ryan, the author of the WorWrench (who is engaged at this thea-thies of Ireland,' bas in the press, Eight tre), Wilkinson, and some others of the Ballads on the Fictions of the Ancient

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cates some details relative to this enter prise.

It has long been known to the neighbouring inhabitants and the hunters of Terra Firma, who had made excursions in that quarter, that there existed an unknown country which had been noticed in several maps, but its extent remained unknown, till an inhabitant

Accounts from Captain Billinghausen,

commander in the Russian Voyage of Discovery in the Antartic seas, (as received at Petersburgh from Botany Bay, his letter dated May, 1820,) report that he had discovered three islands covered with snow and ice, on one of which was a volcano, laf. 56° south. He announces that there is no southern continent, or should there be one, it must be inaccessible from being covered with perpetual snows, ice, &c.

of Irkutsk, named Hendenstrom, un- in Japan is singular. When two men dertook a voyage to it in 1809 and of honour quarrel in that country, the 1810. He found three inhabited party who conceives himself injured islands, wherein were mountains and rips up his own entrails with a large rivers, which abounded with curious knife, and presenting the instrument objects, and from the report he made to his adversary, invites him to follow of it, Geometer Pschienizin, of Irkutsk, his example! No Japanese gentleman undertook a similar voyage in 1811. can decline such an invitation, for if On his return, he prepared a chart, he does not instantly plunge the knife which, however, has not yet been pub-into his own bowels, he is dishonoured lished, and in which these islands have for life. If such a style of duelling been designated, the easternmost, as were to be introduced into this country New Siberia, the central one, Island affairs of honour' would be less comFadeecoskisch, and the westerly one, mon. Island Kessel.

Pauperism in Europe.-Among the Recently, two expeditions have been hundred and seventy-eight millions of fitted out for a more minute examina-individuals who inhabit Europe, there tion of these islands. They proceed are said to be 17,900,000 beggars, or at first to Irkutsk, and then separate, persons who subsist at the expense of veering about in the Glacial Ocean, to the community, without contributing reach two different points. Each coin- to its resources. In Denmark, the pany consists of an officer of the navy, proportion is 5 per cent. Fu Holland, who conducts the enterprize, a physi-14 per cent. In Eugland, 10 per cent. cian, who is also the naturalist, a pilot, In Paris, there were computed, in and six chosen sailors. At Irkutsk, 1813. 102,856 paupers out of 530,000. about twenty artisans or mechanics are In Liverpool, 27,000 in the population to join them. In Amsterdam, 108,000 out of 217,000. The number of the indigent has since rather increased than diminished.

The first of these companies is, superintended by the Baron de Wrangell, navy-lieutenant, with an assistant in Dr. Kyber, who is the naturalist and physician. This expedition is to examine the coasts of Northern Asia, and to make search for the lands seen by Andreff. To accomplish this object, they are to proceed this year to the banks of the Kobuma, and there to construct vessels to put to sea with, next year. It is intended, at the same time, to visit Bhering's Straits, and to return by the north.

The second company, conducted by Lieutenant Anjou, has Dr. Alimann (from this place); it will proceed to the banks of the Jana, thence to go and visit the islands of New Siberia. Both companies are provided with the necessary instruments. Previous to the termination of next winter, they expect to have passed the ice to repair to their destination, and their return may be looked for in three years. Considering the experience and ability of the conductors, the friends of geography and nature predict much advantage, from these expeditions. The Baron de Wrangeй has atready sailed round the world under Commodore Krusen

steri

The Bee.

Floriferis ut apes in saltibus omnia limant, Omnia nos itidem depascimur aurea dicta.' LUCRETIUS

Honour. The manner of duelling

of 80,000.

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St. Peter's Fish.-The two dark spots a little behind its head, are supposed to have gained the Haddock, in days of superstition, the credit of being the fish which St. Peter caught with the tribute-money in its mouth; in proof of which, the impression of the Saint's finger and thumb has been intailed on the whole race of Haddocks ever since. But, Adhuc sub judice lis est,' as, unfortunately for the tradition, the Haddock is not a Mediterranean fish: nor can we suppose it to have belonged to the lake Tiberias. The truth is, the Italians consider a very different fish, as that which was sanctified by the Apostle; and which, after him, they honour with the name of Il Janitore; a name that we have converted into Johnny Dory, with the same happy ingenuity that has twisted the girasole or turnsol, into a Jerusalem artichoke.

TO READERS & CORRESPONDENTS.

METROPOLITAN Larks, A Poetical Flight, Acad,' The Charioteer,' and 'Long,' are inadmissible.

'Mirza, the Wanderer,' must seek a domicile elsewhere, as he cannot be admitted into the Literary Chronicle.

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J. LIMBIRD, BOOKSELLER and STATIONER, 355, Strand, respectfully informs the public that a few complete sets of The LITERARY CHRONICLE may still be had in boards, vol. 1., price 17s. 6d.; vol. 2. price 11. 7s. 6d. As above is published,

THE HISTORY of NORTH WALES. By W. CATHRALL, assisted by several Gentlemen of Literary Distinction, Quarto, price 3s. This completed in Twenty-one Parts. Each Part Work is published occasionally, and will be will be embellished with a Plate.

Vol. 1 and 2, price 12s. 6d. each, of The CAMBRO-BRITON, a Miscellany, dedicated to the Interests of WALES, and more particularly designed to disseminate amongst strangers a correct knowledge of the History, Language, Antiquities, Manners, Poetry, and general Literature, of that interesting portion of Great Britain.

much rare information on the subjects above mentioned and especially with reference to the ancient LITERARY REMAINS of WALES, which are little known, and are yet of a nature so interesting and so valuable.

These volumes.contain, amongst other matter,

It forms a principal object of The CambroBriton to furnish accurate translations of these,

accompanied by illustrative remarks: and too. much cannot be said of their importance, as they tend to elucidate the early History of this Price 2s. sewed,

Island.

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Ce journal, qui paraît depuis quelque tems, et auquel nous em munterons quelquefois des articles, est entièrellent consacré à la litterature et aux beaux arts. I contient des analyses d'ouvrages, des articles originaux, des aperçus, de mœurs, des morceaux de poésie, enfin les nouvelles des théatres, &c.; il est habilement rédigé.-Vide_Revue Encyclopedique, Paris, Mars, 1821-ED.

The full price will be given by our Publisher, for saleable copies of No. 103, 104, 105, 106, 108, and 109, of the Country Literary Both Editions of The Literary Chronicle. Chronicle becoming very scarce, Subscribers are advised to complete their sets without delay.

The Maniac of the Lake' is under consi- two doors East of Exeter Change; where advertise deration.

The Orator' is not to our taste. We pity, but cannot praise him.

The favours of ** M., Carbon, and Veritas have been received,

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London:-Published by J. Limbird, 355, Strand, ments are received, and communications for the Editor' (post paid) are to be addressed. Sold also by Souter, 73, St. Paul's Church Yard; Simpkin and Marshall, Stationer's Court; Chappie, Palt Mall; Grapel, Liverpool; and by all Booksellers and Newsvenders.-Printed by Davidson, Old Bers well Court, Carcy Street.

And Weekly Review;

Forming an Analysis and General Repository of Literature, Philosophy, Science, Arts, History, the Drama, Morals, Manners, and Amusements.

This Paper is published early every Saturday Morning; and is forwarded Weekly, or in Monthly or Quarterly Parts, throughout the British Dominions.

No. 126.

LONDON, SATURDAY, OCTOBER 13, 1821.

Review of New Books.

PRISON DISCIPLINE.

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half-drunk.

Price 6d.

veral gaols, where there was nothing but
idleness. Constant labour, the classi-
fication of prisoners, the establish-
ment of schools, and a well-regulated
system of religions instruction, when-
ever introduced into a gaol, have never
failed in effectuating the most salutary
reform. This has been proved not

only in the London prisons, but in
those in the country, in England,
Wales, Scotland, and Ireland. In the
last-mentioned country, the Dublin
Association, for the improvement of
with great success.
prisons, have been very active, and
The condition of
almost every gaol has been ascertain-
ed:-

This investigation has given publicity
to many scenes of suffering.
Of one
gaol, the committee write, "We found
feet, three men slept every night. In
some of the prisoners lying on straw. In
one cell, seven and a-half feet by seven
every part the dirt was most disgusting.
The want of classification is horrible in
its effects. The worst felons are mixed
with those guilty, and even accused only
of petty misdemeanours.

Fry, however, quite changed the scene. Riot, licentiousness, and filth, were exchanged for order, sobriety, and comparative neatness, in the chamber, The Third Report of the Committee of the apparel, and the persons of the the Society for the Improvement of prisoners. There was no longer to be Prison Discipline, and for the Re-seen an assemblage of abandoned and formation of Juvenile Offenders. shameless creatures, half-naked and With an Appendix. 8vo. pp. 212. London, 1821. The prison no longer resounded with obscenity, imprecaAMONG the numerous societies which tions, and licentious songs. To use this country may justly boast, formed the strong but just expression of one to inquire the wretched out, and court who knew the prison well, this hell the offices of soft humanity,' there is not one calculated to render such great of an industrious manufactory or a upon earth exhibited the appearance and important services to society, as well regulated family.' The magisthat which has been formed for the im-trates visiting the prison, soon became provement of prison discipline. For al- sensible of the valuable services Mrs. though the philanthropic Howard long Fry rendered to the wretched victims ago laid open the secrets of the prison- of crime and misery, and the Grand scenes of human misery, yet his re- declared, that if the principles which house, and exhibited many affecting Jury of London, in February, 1818, searches were chiefly directed to the govern her regulations were adopted removal of such diseases as were inci- towards the males as well as females, dental to prisons, and the alleviation of it would be the means of converting a bodily suffering. The moral evils of im- prison into a school of reform; and, inprisonment, its unavoidable tendency stead of sending criminals back into to corrupt, as well as the means by the world, (as is now too generally the which it might be rendered instrumen- case,) hardened in vice and depravity, tal to reclaim, were subjects which had they would be restored to it repentant, not become the topic of direct inves- and probably become useful members tigation, and in which public feeling of society. had been very little interested. It was We have deemed it necessary to reserved for the present day, and for the state these facts, to show what has been present society, whose Report is now done; for the improvement of prison before us, to investigate the actual ten-discipline is not a chimerical project or dency of punishments, the true ends to which they ought alone to be directed, cable. But to return to the Report. a fanciful theory, but is really practiand to render prisons places for moral The committee have, in the course of discipline as well as salutary restraint. their labours, ascertained the highly In this work of beneficence, to the eter-important fact, that a well-regulated Adverting to another gaol, it is renal honour of the sex, a female was the system of prison discipline represses marked," Beyond locking up the prisonfirst to lead the way. crime; and that the dread of it ers in their sleeping cells, no means of seis such, that few prisoners, after paration are afforded for either males or their discharge from a good gaol, females, debtors or felons, old or young, return to it, while the number of refects are daily visible in corrupting the tried or untried; and the melancholy efcommittals to a bad prison is generally considerable. It has been discovered, that since Mrs. Fry began to visit the prison, the number of re-committals have diminished forty per cent. One of the most nportant features in prison discipline is the employment of and on that:'the prisoners, which, we are happy to At Sligo, it is stated, that "the labours find, has now been introduced into se- of the visiting committee have greatly

When Mrs. Fry first visited the prison at Newgate, she found nearly three hundred women sent there for every gradation of crime; some untried, and others under sentence of death, all crowded together; their ferocious manners and expressions towards each other were horrible, and such a den of iniquity was witnessed as might have appalled the stoutest heart, and cooled the zeal of the most ardent enthusiast. One year's unceasing labour of Mrs.

VOL, HI

bers must have passed through this gaot into: temporary, contact with vice, in its within the last few years; each man forced most abandoned form, and then sent home to spread the pollution through his family and neighbourhood."

Of another prison, they say, "It is scarcely possible to conceive a combination of causes less calculated to correct, and more liable to corrupt both body and mind, than that which this gaol exhibits. Committal to it inflicts an immediate and ease, may amount to actual privation of a heavy punishment, which, through dislife."

innocent, and hardening the criminal. Lastances are by no means rare, of persons committed for venial misdemeanors, when turned out, becoming confirmed offenders."

Now let us look on this picture

S S-41

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